David Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, has pushed back against criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government over heightened insecurity in the country, saying that God will rescue the abducted schoolchildren in captivity.

Mr Umahi, in a viral video seen on social media on Friday, berated Nigerians for politicising and weaponising insecurity and insulting Mr Tinubu as if insecurity started under his administration.

“What is in national discuss now is the issue of security and insecurity. When people talk about insecurity, especially extreme politicians, and insult the President as if insecurity just started within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is very unfortunate,” Mr Umahi said.

The minister wondered why insecurity heightens in the country in the run-up to elections, adding that prayers should be intensified for the release of the abducted schoolchildren.

“Security is the job of everyone. Security should not be politicised. Why is it that anytime we are approaching elections, there is heightened insecurity? It is very unfair. Anyone who takes the life of another person under any guise, God is watching,” Mr Umahi said.

He added, “We will continue to pray for all our children, who are in captivity. God sees them, wherever they are hidding. Their hands will be losen by God. And they will return.”

Mr Umahi’s statement comes amid public outrage and criticism of Mr Tinubu over the abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State on May 15.

For more than 20 days, the abductees have remained in captivity, sparking protests across major cities in the country, including Lagos, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Bayelsa and Plateau.